New World Vistas: Air and Space Power for the 21st Century. Aircraft andPropulsion Volume

摘要

The Aircraft and Propulsion Panel was chartered to identify and recommendtechnologies and concepts that will favorably impact the USAF's ability to accomplish its mission in the future. The panel worked closely with the application panels and other technology panels in order to assure that the technology requirements for proposed air vehicle systems were considered. The precision delivery of lethal or nonlethal weapons and the timely dispersion of force around the globe will remain essential parts of a successful campaign. The technologies of warfare are undergoing change and information is a key asset for warfare. While the nature of air vehicles and their propulsion systems may be expected to undergo a transformation more adapted to the needs of future warfare, their fundamental mission remains. Vehicles of the future will allow relatively easy upgrade to take advantage of rapidly advancing technologies in sensors, weapons, and communications. Designs for low cost manufacture and operation will be crucial. Some may be special purpose in design, perhaps for unique weapons or sensors. In the evolving scenario of modern information rich warfare, air vehicles will retain the need for at least six key attributes: speed, range, lethality, flexibility, survivability, and affordability. Affordability is an attribute that has increased in importance in the post cold war era. Affordability means reduced cost of the weapon system from conception and development through the life of the system. through the life of the system. There are seven basic missions for air vehicles that are envisioned to endure: strategic bombing, air mobility, strike, air superiority, recce intel, special operations, and support of space operations, including access to space.